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Buckinghamshire LOC Latest News

The AOP responds to the Government’s Living with Covid strategy in England

As the Government’s Living with Covid strategy for England came  into force on  24 February, Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of the Association of Optometrists said: “Two years on from the start of the pandemic, we all have to find a way to navigate the realities of living with COVID. As a key part of primary care …

6 March 2022

Annual GOS Complaints Submission – Final Reminder

The 2019/20 GOS complaints submission which was paused due to Covid-19, will reopen on Monday 7 February 2022 until Sunday 27 February 2022 for a final window. This is to give GOS contractors who have not yet submitted a response a final opportunity to do so. GOS contractors will be able to submit for both the 2019/2020 and 2020/21 …

18 February 2022

New Guidance on Self-Isolation

New Guidance on Self-Isolation The College of Optometrists have issued a statement advising that the cut to the isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19, which is now five full days, will apply in primary care settings – Further details can be found  HERE.

9 February 2022

Everything you need to know about getting your CPD points

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a statutory requirement for all fully qualified optometrists, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians. All full registrants must earn a minimum number of CPD points by the end of each cycle to stay on the registers. The previous CET scheme went through a significant overhaul before being relaunched as a …

25 January 2022

End of CET Period and GOC Christmas Hours

The current CET period ends at midnight on 31st December 2021. You are reminded that you will need to accept any outstanding points by then. This is the final year of this 3 year cycle, the new cycle will become Continuing Professional Development  (CPD) in 2022. You can can still do CET for this period IF the provider can upload the points …

16 December 2021

GOC publishes new Speaking Up guidance for registrants

The GOC has published new guidance to help registrants in situations where they need to consider the professional requirement to speak up when patient or public safety may be at risk. It covers all concerns such as when something has been observed that appears seriously wrong or is not in accordance with the accepted standards …

7 November 2021

Afghan evacuees

We understand that our region has welcomed several Afghan evacuees. Following their initial isolation period, you may be contacted by those seeking eyecare. Read the full advice for primary care here. Afghan relocation and resettlement schemes – additional guidance for optometry practices Individuals and families arriving into the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance …

10 October 2021

Update to NHS Mail and the Data Protection Security Toolkit (DSPT)

All organisations with NHS Mail accounts are required to complete the Data Security & Protection Toolkit (DSPT) on an annual basis. Although waivers were previously applied due to the pandemic, from 1 July 2021 all optometry contractors applying for an NHS Mail account have been required to complete the DSPT.  Contractors have a full 12 …

20 September 2021

New urgent eyecare pathway for Milton Keynes

From 28th August 2021, the pathway for referral of urgent cases in MK is the BLMK Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES). This service provides urgent assessment and treatment for recent and sudden onset eye problems, for children and adults registered with a GP in Bedfordshire, Luton or Milton Keynes. A new urgent & emergency eyecare …

27 August 2021

NHS staff self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact

Public Health England has issued updated guidance on NHS staff self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact. Read the full guidance here.

15 August 2021

LOCSU Latest News

LOCSU Levy Reduction Commencing 1 April 2025

LOCSU is delighted to announce the reduction of the LOCSU levy from 0.5% to 0.4%.

31 March 2025

OFNC Statement: GOS Voucher Values in England to be Frozen for 2025/26

Each year the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) independently sets optical voucher values, dental charges and prescription charges for the coming year.

27 March 2025

OFNC Statement: Delay in GOS Fees Announcement and Early Warning of Inflation Only Increases

GOS contractors will have been expecting an announcement about GOS fees and grants in 2025/26 with the start of new financial year only 13 days away.

20 March 2025

GOC Meets All PSA Standards of Good Regulation for Third Year

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care has published its review of the General Optical Council’s performance in 2023-24.

12 March 2025

Learn about upcoming committee meetings and CET events

Learn about upcoming committee meetings and CET events

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